Walking along the road, they are talking about all that has happened in the last few days. Jesus catches up to them---but, they don't recognized Him. They are unaware. Pain of all sorts can do that---make us unaware. Habits can do that---making us unaware. Busyness, screens, agendas... all this and more can make us very unaware.
He catches up to them and asks what they are talking about... (Luke 24:13-35)
As you go about your day, walking along in life, ...chatting with your friends, your kids, your spouse. As you think thoughts in your head---re-hearse conversations you have had or will have or will never have.... As you respond to or write posts on social media...
I hear Him gently asking... Stephanie, what are you discussing?
Think about yourself and your conversations, your internal dialogues today and yesterday.
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Can you stop for a minute to hear Jesus asking you to tell Him what you are talking about, thinking about, interacting with? What are you discussing? What are you 'talking about'?
Stop for a minute and tell Him. Explain to Him what you are discussing... what has been happening...
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I can imagine these disciples are feeling so so many different things. What might they have been feeling in that moment? ...Anger, sadness, despair, confusion, fear, bewilderment, overwhelmed, traumatized, disappointment...
They tell Jesus that "we had hoped"...
I read these words, and I am stopped in my tracks.
Stephanie, what had (have) you hoped...? What were you hoping for... or are you hoping for...?
As I sat with this question, I could feel the disappointment, frustration, despair in my chest as I allowed myself to process my dashed hopes. Old... and new. Feelings are not for judging, they are just for feeling. Emotions are God -given data points that allow us to know ourselves and, if allowed, they are avenues to be closer to the Lord.
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Can you stop for a minute and figure out what you are feeling? What have you been feeling today, yesterday, this week? Have you hoped for something? Are you feeling any frustration? Confusion? Sadness?
Stop and tell Jesus what you are feeling. Is there something you had hoped? Explain to Him your heart, your emotions, your pain.
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Jesus responds to their explanation of their thoughts and emotions with a correction and a call to think rightly. Just to be clear, He doesn't leave them there. He stays with them... and just gently calls them to account for their thoughts and their 'remembering'. In fact, He calls them to remember. He responds to them with Truth... He reminds them of what He has told them before. And, He reminds them of what has been True forever.
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Can you apologized to the Lord for any unbelief and foolishness in your heart or mind that might accompany or come alongside the emotions you feel? Are there untrue things your are thinking and believing?
Can you ask Jesus to speak His True Words over you... your thoughts, your feelings... ?
Sit for a few long moments and ask the Spirit to speak Words of Truth. What would You say to me, Lord? Speak, Lord, I am listening. Give this time and quiet.
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After Jesus speaks Truth to them... they want more. They want more of Him. More of His presence. They are desperate for more of Jesus. The disciples invite Him to come, be with them, stay with them, eat with them. And, He says yes!
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Can you ask Jesus to join you as you go about your day. As you walk along the road today, as you sit, as you rise, as you eat, play, read, discuss... can you ask Jesus to stay with you?
Take a few moments and ask for more of Him. Ask for more of His Spirit. Ask Him to teach you to pray and to abide in His presence, His love, and His Word.
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"Were not our hearts burning within us as he talked with us on the road... It is true! He has risen!" (Luke 24: 32-34)
As you go about your day, keep your heart aware of it's response to Him... Keep on the look out!
He is alive and with you always!
